Zumba Pants: three things you need to know before you buy cargos, capris, or leggings

byGabriel SimononNovember 9, 2016

As a Zumba instructor, I can tell you that the pants you wear to class matter. In particular, there are three characteristics you need to look out for when selecting a pair of pants for Zumba – whether they be cargoes, capris or leggings.

Fabric/Comfort: Zumba classes are high energy exercise and you’ll probably be sweating much more than you’re used to. You want to choose something that is made from a comfortable fabric. Cotton is comfortable in general and some do choose this type of material. However, I’d generally avoid cotton sweat pants because the baggy sweats will hold all the moisture . This can lead to skin irritation and one of the worst feelings… feeling chilled mid-way through your work out. The best fabric to look for in clothing to wear to your Zumba class, is one that is light weight , moisture-wicking, a breathable. Fabric with these properties will be sure to absorb all the sweat , and allow you to perform all your movements with ease and comfort, keeping you as dry as possible. Synthetics or a blend are great choices. There are a number of fitness companies marketing their brand of “keep cool”. Look for a 70/30 mix or even higher. No fabric will keep you from sweating, but the synthetics will not hold the moisture , resulting in you being kept drier and feeling more comfortable.

The Zumba Soft-N-Stretch Cargo Pants are made from a moisture wicking synthetic blend. Click on the image to check them out on Amazon.

2. Stretch and Flexibility: This is mainly for aesthetics. While baggy pants, such as sweats, may give you enough room for movement, they’re not a great look for Zumba. Well fitting, stretch clothing is a much better look and feel for salsa and those hip accenting moves. Avoid any overly large or baggy fitting clothes in general as they will get in the way while executing the twists and turns that are a part of all our Zumba classes. Leggings such as these from Baleaf are a great option for Zumba and are made from a breathable, synthetic nylon/spandex blend.

Click on the image to check out the Baleaf workout leggings on Amazon

3. Washing: Always consider the material and ability to wash them frequently. The pants you wear to Zumba will get sweaty and will need to be washed often. You want them to hold up to repeated washing , and be made from fabric that doesn’t bleed out its bright pink or red each time. If you want pants that hold up to lots of washings, the Zumba Fitness brand is one of my top choices. With the multiple classes I teach daily, mine are washed regularly and hold up surprisingly well. Just be sure to hang dry the pants to reduce shrinkage.

Click on the image to check out the Zumba Feelin’ It Samba Pants on Amazon.

Ok, so now we have given you the general idea of what to consider when searching for the perfect pair of bottoms for your class. Here are my top pics for the best cargo’s, capris, and leggings for your next Zumba class:

The very best Cargos for Zumba

Lets start with the well known and true Zumba Cargo. That would be either the Zumba Highliter or Zumba Fusion pants. Both are great choices as far as cargo’s go. The Zumba Cargo’s are popular for more than a few reasons. They are lightweight , flexible , easy to wash, and their neon colors (such as blue or pink) do not fade. In addition the nylon fabric is quick to dry…eliminating that wet , chilled feeling that can come with sweat pants.

Zumba Cut Me Loose Cargo Pants. These come in a variety of colors, including some great bright colors. They have stylish belted look and the desirable tassels for “shakin it”.

Click on the image to check out the Zumba Cut Me Loose cargo pants on Amazon.

Zumba Hilighter Cargo’salso come in many colors: neon blues, yellows, mutli-color, and also black or white. Instead of a belted look, these cargo’s feature a fold-over optional band…the youthful crowd can fold theres to have a low rise look , while those who are more mature and prefer stomach coverage can leave the band up. Lightweight and nylon, these are made from a great non-stick fabric (which you’ll appreciate during those sweaty classes) and are quick drying to eliminate feeling chilled on the way home from classes.

The best part of either of these cargos’s are that their length is adjustable. Nylon cords make it easy to adjust length, even turning the pants into capris if feeling extremely warm during class.

Note: Unfortunately this style is no longer available.

Capris for Zumba

If you prefer capris, then there are multiple choices for you to pick from. Legging type capris can be form fitting and slimming, and quick drying too. There are many colors to choose from – black, red, or even patterned – so there will be no problem making that complete outfit match up. Zumba’s Orbit Cargo Capri is an excellent choice.

Check out the Orbit Cargo Capris on Amazon

If you don’t want cargo capris, there are many other options to go for. For example, these RBX draw sting capris pants are sweat-wicking and light weight — excellent for Zumba. Look for brands with nylon material and that are on looser side. Also look out for straps or ribbons to get that look Zumba look. You will find all colors, including white, black , purple, red, blue etc. Choose something that feel like you’re in the latest music video when your Zumba instructor puts in one of the current pop songs into the playlist!

Click on the image to check out the RBX Capris on Amazon

Leggings for Zumba

Leggings are a great choice for those of us that do not want to feel any “jiggle” when we shake in class. With a great fit, you wont feel like your pants are bagging midway through the hour. Choose state of the art fabrics, such as Supplex or a spandex mix. Cotton might feel comfortable at first, but will hold moisture from the get go and you will probably feel like you’re sitting in a pool of water after class..not a great feeling, trust me I know!

These leggings are black but have a bright band to waken up the look. Stylish to wear into a store for errand before class too make these a great choice . Zumba Fitness has many options of leggings, both capris and full pant length.

Amazon has a great range of leggings for Zumba

The Zumba Retro Look

Some of us just want to have a throw-back time. Head bands, leg warmers are seen often, and pants are no exception. Here’s a great example of some super cute, retro feel Zumba pants with an awesome pattern.

Click on the image to check out these retro leggings on Amazon

Or maybe a hip one piece fitness suit like this sports jumpsuit, with pink and white detailing is the choice for you.. dance it out looking and feeling like your doing a little ’80s workout !!

Click on the image to check out this one piece Zumba outfit on Amazon!

Whatever you prefer – Capri’s, Leggings, Cargos or that retro look – there are a pair of Zumba pants for you. Just remember to make sure the fit is comfortable, flexible and breathable. Make sure your choice is washable, and then have fun picking the style and the color choices you prefer. I like to mix it up…lime green on top, pink on bottom or black on top with red bottoms. Or wait, was that white on top and purple bottoms…too many choices to limit oneself..mix it up and have fun!